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Being a huge “Interior-Design-and-Furniture-Painting” addict, I am writing this blog to share my passion for home decor and styling. We hope to inspire you and invite you to send us your questions, suggestions and comments as it’s always a tremendous pleasure for me and my team to assist you!

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PAINTING PROJECT: REFURBISHED LOUIS XVI BEDROOM FURNITURE

Bedroom set before being transformed, 2 dressers and a mirror + 2 night tables

The essence of the Gustavian-gray style was created following King Gustav III’s visit to France under the reign of Louis XVI where he developed a passion for the decorative Rococo and neoclassical art styles. Outlined by very simple lines in a palette of soft colours and attributed to a more “provincial” style which was more widespread than the more ornate golds and wood tones reserved for large majestic rooms of the times. Today, the Gustavian style appeals to the very clean and simple lines of the classical style.

The palette of “greys”: This beautiful neutral color is often associated with other colours. Often soft and relaxing, it is a perfect tone for creating a universal and peaceful room.

COLOURS USED: The beautiful chalky and velvety textured furniture with its transformed urban look draws its contrast from the white interior double patina on the front and sides and the exterior grey paint-dye. The surfaces are painted grey and washed with grey paint-dye. The bases and legs are also painted grey.

REMOVE FURNITURE BRONZE HANDLES AND PAINT BLACK

1. * Tremclad oil-based spray paint, glossy black

* Insert handles on a styrofoam then spray paint with Tremclad glossy black (paint is oil-based so it is recommended to use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area) Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let dry for 24 hours.

2. Preparing the surfaces, sand and wash: These are essential steps for the realization of all my projects! When I work on a piece of furniture, I first remove its protective covering (paint, lacquer, etc) by lightly sanding with P150 grade sandpaper so that the area becomes more adhesive. The walls are then painted, oiled or waxed, a quick and affordable technique that avoids sanding the whole piece of furniture which creates a lot of dust. Usually I start by placing the furniture on its side and then proceed to wash the whole unit … amazing what you can find in hidden corners, dust, greasy patches etc … I wash everything with the TSP product (TSP can be found in all major hardware stores). I recommend to use the instructions on the box.

Cleaning supplies

▪ An abrasive sponge

▪ TSP + gloves

To create a more rustic texture to the surfaces add more plaster.

3. HOUSE BRAND CHALK PAINT. White paint: Using a roller, I apply two coats of house brand chalk paint recipe ( 2 tablespoons of plaster of Paris with equal amounts of water mixed in 1 cup of latex mat finish paint) on all surfaces and let dry two hours between coats. This will give it a nice textured look.

4. Sanding: Using a soft sandpaper # P220 between coats, remove any lumps or imperfections. I always aim for a smooth professionally-looking surface.

5. Creating a Paint-Stain, color wash recipe: I take a small container and I pour half a cup of grey paint and an eighth of water. Mix well! A color wash should be done with one dark and one lighter paint. It leaves a striated or striped effect. It can be very subtle like I created the effect for the top of these surfaces. I apply a light grey wash (paint diluted with a bit of water) over the white surfaces. Very elegant!

6. Dry brush technique for the body: In order to dry brush I only want to dip the very end of my brush in paint. Afterward, I need to dab off some of the excess paint until it is essentially dry. I just use a paper towel or newspaper, then I lightly paint the surface in short back-and-forth strokes until the entire surface is covered.

7. Antiquing technique, distressing: Using a medium sandpaper I proceed on sanding the edges of the furniture giving the piece an artificial antique look weathered by time.

9. Sanding: Repeat the sanding process once again with a fine sandpaper and gently remove unwanted lumps and imperfections.

10. Varnishing – Matt Latex Application: I stir the varnish thoroughly and apply to all surfaces. I apply three coats to all top surfaces and one coat on the remaining surfaces (interiors, etc). Sanding lightly between all coats is a must! I tend to prefer the Saman brand, matt-finish latex.

12. I install the handles…..and voilà!

First coat of paint underway

Creating a Paint-Stain, color wash recipe: I take a small container and I pour half a cup of grey paint and an eighth of water. Mix well!

A color wash should be done with one dark and one lighter paint. It leaves a striated or striped effect. It can be very subtle like we created for the top of these surfaces. I apply a light grey wash (paint diluted with a bit of water) over the white tops. Very elegant!

Easy Dry-Brushing Paint Technique to use on furniture. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of color and texture to a piece without completely hiding its natural beauty. First I dribble a very small amount of paint on the underside of the paint can lid. You could also use a paper plate or paint tray, but the lid works just as well! Paint stirring sticks are super handy for the dribbling portion of this process, FYI. Then I dab the tip of a dry paint brush very gently into the paint and dab it on a paper towel to remove any excess paint. You want to keep the tip of your paint brush “dry” and not saturated with paint, so I suggest starting off with just a tiny bit of paint and adding more as you get comfortable with the technique.